Our View: Don't want city elections swayed? Show up to vote

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The Daily Telegram - Adrian, MI

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Posted Oct. 20, 2013 at 9:00 AM

Posted Oct. 20, 2013 at 9:00 AM

ADRIAN

Much has been said and written about Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking's support for Adrian mayoral candidate Jim Berryman, including claims of trying to register students to sway the Nov. 5 election.

A Telegram story looked at evidence of several activities: a registration drive of students; endorsements by Docking at an on-campus restaurant and online on Facebook; fliers at registration tables listing only some of the candidates; an email purportedly sent from an Adrian College coach to his players, saying that "As a college we are actively supporting Jim Berryman" and saying he would make it "much easier for Adrian College to move forward with developments such as the Back 40/soccer facility."

Students and administration have responded that the activities were led by students, not the college. Officials said that any action taken over the email would be handled privately by the college.

We realize that Docking is entitled to freedom of speech and is accountable to college trustees, not to voters. Also, whether staff members were involved is something for the Internal Revenue Service to judge rather than local courts.

However, the episode does provide some points applicable to both officials and to voters:

1. Leaders of tax-exempt institutions, especially those teaching students, need to make certain their campaigning as private citizens is not confused with their official roles. As the coach's email shows, that distinction was not made clear. In fact, the exact opposite message was sent. When students see their president's endorsement on Facebook pages, or see him at a rally on campus, it's difficult for all to know whether they're seeing a "private citizen" or "a school president."

2. Voter participation matters. The city of Adrian saw barely 1,000 voters — out of more than 14,000 registered — participate in the August election. If residents don't want a small group to influence city decisions, they'll need to quit turning out in single-digit percentages on Election Day. As it's said, citizens in a democracy get the sort of government they deserve.

3. Similarly, residents need to attend city activities and ask questions to learn more about the issues facing the community. While it's true many college students will move after school, we shouldn't paint them with a broad brush. Many are no less involved than the vast majority of voters who neither show up at meetings nor show up at the polls.

A letter writer pointed out earlier this week that the real issue is how a relatively small number of college students could sway a city election in the first place. Surely there are more people with a vested interest in long-term issues such as taxes, planning and development than the number who actually show up. This should be a wake-up call to everyone to become more involved in their selection of city leaders.